Bureau warns of 300mm downpour

UPDATE 4.30pm: THE Bureau of Meteorology is warning rainfall on The Northern Rivers could exceed 300mm over the next two days.

The BOM is warning that the tropical low off the east coast will bring heavy rain to the NSW far north coast during tomorrow which will extend south to the Hunter Valley on Friday.

The low pressure system is likely to bring both localised flash flooding and moderate to major river flooding according to the BOM.

BOM NSW Regional Director, Barry Hanstrum said the potential for widespread flooding is high due to the fact that catchments are still wet from the impact of ex-tropical cyclone Oswald late last month.

"Rainfall totals may exceed 300mm over the two days in some locations," he said.

"Gale force winds and damaging surf conditions are also likely.

"A severe weather warning and flood watch for the affected areas have been issued."

NSW SES Commissioner Murray Kear is urging people to prepare now for the severe weather.

Mr Kear said residents in The Northern Rivers should keep up to date with the latest weather information and stay clear of any rivers, creeks or low-lying areas as they can be prone to flash flooding.

"We carried out a number of flood rescues in the last flood event in northern NSW and the majority of those rescues involved people trapped in their cars by floodwater," he said.

"It's imperative that people stay clear of floodwater and if you come across a flooded road on your travels turn around or pull over and wait for the water to recede."

If you need emergency help in a flood or storm call the NSW SES on 132 500.

If your situation is life-threatening call 000.

Go to www.bom.gov.au for the latest weather and warnings, as information is likely to change rapidly.

This graph shows the steady rise of the Wilsons River since yesterday morning.

UPDATE 3.15pm: WATER levels in the Wilsons River at Lismore have risen more than two metres in the last day.

At 2.56pm the Wilsons River was at 2.94 metres and rising constantly.

At noon on Tuesday the level in the river was below one metre.

The minor flood level for the Wilsons River is 4.2 metres.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting damaging winds around 60 km/h with peak gusts of 90 km/h for the coastal fringe of the Northern Rivers forecast district.

Very heavy rain which may lead to flash flooding is also forecast for the Northern Rivers tomorrow.

This photo was taken a few minutes ago on the Wilsons River, where it is creeping into a carpark. The carpark, behind Sportspower, has now been closed.

2.39pm: POLICE have been called to the carparks near the Wilson's River at Lismore fearing at least one car may float away in rising floodwaters.

A call for police vehicles in the Lismore area was made by police a few minutes ago to attend the car parks either side of Woodlark St near Fawcett Bridge.

Reports are the car parks have been closed due to rising flood waters which have reached a few remaining cars.